Security Surveillance

Statement of Purpose

Western Health has installed and operates CCTV & Body Worn Video Surveillance at all Western Health Hospitals to:

Lessen serious and imminent threats to the life, health, safety or welfare of any individual;

Deter, detect and respond to criminal offences against person or property;

Facilitate and support an effective response by law enforcement officers or other emergency services personnel to situations of concern;

Protect the assets and property of Western Health and persons on Western Health premises including employees, contractors and other providers, patients and or visitors;

Assist in the identification and prosecution (or taking of other disciplinary steps) of persons in relation to criminal matters

Work, health and safety reasons such as investigating accidents.

All Surveillance Technology is used in accordance with the Surveillance Devices Act 1999

Signage

In accordance with Australian Standard AS4806.1-2006

Western Health has placed compliant signage at all site entries to advise all persons that enter any Western Health facility that CCTV and Body Worn Video equipment is utilised 24/7 on the premises. Signage has also been put in place in recommended languages other than English to reflect and address the cultural diversity of the communities that we serve.

Types of Surveillance

Western Health utilises various surveillance technologies throughout their facilities. These include:

Western Health will retain footage for a period of 31 days in accordance with Australian Standard 4806.1-2006. This period may be extended where an incident has occurred or where requested by Authorised Personnel.

Appropriate security measures and audit trails will be established against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, accidental loss or inadvertent destruction of recorded material.

Recorded material will be treated according to defined procedures and audit trails to ensure continuity of evidence.

Allowed Purposes of Disclosure

Where it is related to the employment of employees of the employer or the legitimate business activities or functions of the employer;

To a law Enforcement Agency in relation to an offence or investigation;

Related to criminal or civil proceedings; or

It is reasonably believed necessary to avert an imminent threat of serious violence to persons or substantial damage to property.

Request for access to CCTV footage

If an individual believes they are recorded on CCTV footage held by Western Health they can exercise their right to apply for release under the FOI (Freedom of Information) Act.

They may exercise the right themselves or through a legal representative.

All enquiries for third party access, with the exception of law enforcement agencies, for CCTV footage must be made in writing to;[email protected]

In accordance with Australian Standard 4806.1-2006, the request must;

Clearly outline the reason for access in accordance with the “Allowed Purposes for Disclosure” statement above; and

Must provide sufficient and accurate information about a time and a place; and